A AKHTER / New Delhi
India and Kyrgyzstan have signed six Memoranda of Understanding. These agreements were signed in the fields of tourism, agriculture and food industry, youth development and broadcasting and exchange of audio-visual programmes.
The agreements were inked after delegation level talks between President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Sharshenovich Atambayev and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi this afternoon.
In his press statement, Mr Modi lauded President Atambayev for nurturing and building strong foundations of democracy. Mr Modi said, he and President Atambayev discussed how the two countries can work together to secure the youth and society against common challenges of terrorism, extremism and radicalism.
Mr Modi said, India and Kyrgyzstan agreed on the need to coordinate and work closely in addressing and overcoming these challenges for the common benefit. The two leaders also reviewed cooperative engagement in the field of defence.
The Prime Minister said, the two countries have decided to build on the development cooperation including in capacity building and training. On economic ties, Mr Modi said, the two sides will encourage engagement in healthcare, tourism, IT, agriculture, mining and energy. He said, India regard Kyrgyz Republic as a valuable partner in common pursuit of making Central Asia a region of sustainable peace, stability and prosperity.
Earlier, President Atambayev was accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. President Pranab Mukherjee will host a dinner banquet in his honour this evening. Mr Atambayev arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a four day state visit to India.